I am a 90s Japanese sports car enthusiast, searching for my "forever" car, and I think the FD could be it. I have had MANY different 90s + era Japanese cars, and none has been it yet. I have had 300s, 3000s, FC, mk3 Supra, subies, Evos, DSMs, and so far, the 300zx might be it. But, there are too many in my area (Las Vegas) so I still need to be unique. Anyway, I had a trade for an FD (my car plus cash) all set up! and after almost 3 months of waiting, he backed out. So, after already waiting that long, I got in a rush to sell, and sold my 3000gt lower than I wanted. So, I currently have a 20k budget for one, and it seems the FD market went up LOTS in the last 3 months. It was like rotary FDs went for like 16-26k 3 months ago, and now it like 20-32k is the market. So, I am not trying to rush finding one, but I am thinking on Monday I am going to put down a deposit, and look for one in the JDM market to import one over, as that is the cheapest way to get one. I was scared to get one as they are not checked out that way, and who knows what the history is...but, you kinda get that with any car here also.

So, I will keep you all posted on my findings! and hopefully I can be here soon, searching for advice on everything that will go wrong!

The only other car on my list is an S15, and the others are over my budget (r35, mk4 supra) so hopefully FD checks off the buttons. I am taller 6'2, so I know it will be a tight squeeze, but if 6'7 Kyza can do it, so can I!

 

6'2" is going to be an issue on longer trips as the steering columns don't tilt. buddy of mine has issues getting in and he's 6'3". i would try to find a car local maybe even through here on the FS section before importing one. always lots going up for sale and plenty of information out there to search and learn. welcome good luck.

sounds like you're experienced but i will leave this here for you anyway

 

Thanks for the link! I will watch it tonight, I watch every FD vid I can find! haha. I already purchased a quick release, and a slightly smaller, and dished starring wheel, to hopefully help with the no tilt problem. And, I already planned on doing a foamsectimy or whatever they call it, to remove the foam from the seat to get lower. Or, plan on getting aftermarket seats with some low rails. But, either way, I will make it work.

 

I'm 6'2" 190 and fit fine. I'm mostly legs though. If you like tracking it, you might wanna find one without a sunroof. It'll have a tiny bit more head room.
Also ever since the tidal wave and flood, it's a little sketchy buying used JDM stuff. I'd ask for a lot of pictures and a vid of it running before buying one from Japan.

One other thing to keep in mind is that rotary mechanics are few, far between and are pretty much playing Monopoly these days with our money. Unless there's a good mechanic around, an FD might end up being a nightmare. For reference, I paid over 20K and waited 2 years to get my car back on the road after my last engine took a ****. That was the worst case scenario (I'm an idiot for paying in full up front), but you get the idea.

The REW ain't no 1JZ

 

thanks for the info! I did not even think about getting a video of it running, I am new to the JDM Auction thing, hopfully the company I use will help me along the way.

I am in Las Vegas, there is one shop here that knows them fairly well, and has an FC. And, other that that, I am already prepared to have to ship the car to Cali worst case. I was looking at a local 94, that needs an engine rebuild. He wants 16k, so I reached out..and 4500 bucks is a normal rebuild cost they told me. I was gonna go ahead and just buy that one, but it also has a Salvaged title. So, do I really want to be at 20k with a car with a S title? I am prepared to pay for a rebuild if needed..down the road. I want to be able to drive it a few times before I need to do it.

 

You're on the right track! A member is selling new engines here for 4500 bucks. I wish I would have gone that route, but I thought I wanted it ported and I thought the builders were the best in the business. They weren't and they're not even around anymore as far as I know.

So yeah, don't get burned by rotary mechanics. lol

There is a member here named Fritz Flynn. He usually has a car or two that he flipping, and they're usually really nice examples. If I were in your shoes, I'd hit him up. It'll cost you a little more than $16k, but it won't have a ton of mystery issues either. Here's an example. It's gone by now, but that $25K car will cost less in the long run than a salvaged $16K car that needs an engine and has no records.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...miles-1067176/

 

OH thank you, I will PM him now.

I also think I want a large street port, but would also want to have the car before, and after, to feel the difference.